Ham radio operators concerned about losing band

Ham radio enthusiasts nationwide are concerned about a bill in Congress that they say would limit their ability to help in disasters and emergencies. Rep. Pete King (R-NY), chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, introduced legislation last month to reallocate some radio frequencies now used by ham radio to first responders responsible for public safety.

To offset lost revenue from that change, the bill includes a provision that would allow the 420-440 MHz frequencies currently provided free to amateur radio to be auctioned off. Those frequencies are used not just by hobbyists but also by hundreds of thousands of Amateur Radio Emergency Service volunteers and severe-weather spotters working with National Weather Service.